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Crime Cult Classic

A rookie cop goes undercover in a garage to expose a crooked operation and the world of rock and roll youth.

RUNNING WILD

The Stark Brutal Truth About Today's Lost Generation!

1955 · 1h 21m · NR · Crime / Drama / Film-Noir · IMDB TMDB

To get evidence against a crooked garage owner, a rookie cop masquerades as a hard case who wants a job as a mechanic.

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Quick Answer

What is Running Wild about?

Running Wild is a 1955 American crime drama and film-noir directed by Abner Biberman about a rookie cop who goes undercover as a mechanic to gather evidence against a crooked garage owner.

Programmer's Pick

If your idea of undercover work includes jukeboxes, pinball, and a dash of rock and roll rebellion, Running Wild revs up the engine. Abner Biberman steers a cast of youthful troublemakers and shady adults through a noir-soaked garage where the stakes are as high as the octane.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Running Wild drops viewers into the tense world of small-town crime as a rookie cop assumes the identity of a tough outsider, hoping to infiltrate a shady garage operation. The film leans into its crime and film-noir roots, with an undercover investigation that brings the cop face-to-face with the gritty realities of youth culture and illegal dealings. Set against a backdrop of jukeboxes, rock and roll dancing, and classic convertibles, the story explores the temptations and dangers that lurk in the margins of 1950s Americana. With a cast that includes Mamie Van Doren and William Campbell, the film mixes procedural suspense with the rebellious energy of teensploitation.

Details & Specs

Director
Abner Biberman
Writers
Leo Townsend, Ben Benson
Release
1955
Runtime
1h 21m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Why This Matters

This film noir crime drama was frequently exhibited alongside 'Tarantula' as a double feature, reflecting the mid-1950s practice of pairing genre films for theatrical release.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Abner Biberman Writers: Leo Townsend +1 more
William Campbell William Campbell Ralph [Barton] Mamie Van Doren Mamie Van Doren Irma Keenan Wynn Keenan Wynn Ken Osanger Kathleen Case Kathleen Case Leta Novak Jan Merlin Jan Merlin Scotty Cluett John Saxon John Saxon Vince Pomeroy Walter Coy Walter Coy Lt. Newpole GM Grayce Mills Osanger's Mother (as Grace Mills) CR Chris Randall Arkie Nodecker Michael Fox Michael Fox Delmar Graves Will J. White Will J. White State Trooper RC Richard Castle Herbie Otto Waldis Otto Waldis Leta's Father SW Sumner Williams Monty (uncredited)

Explore More

Why Cult

Undercover Cop Twist

Watch a rookie cop go deep undercover as a grease-stained mechanic to dismantle a criminal garage operation from the inside.

Teensploitation Energy

Explore rock and roll music, jukeboxes, and dance-floor drama as the film captures the rebellious pulse of 1950s youth culture.

Noir Garage Setting

Classic noir shadows fall on wrenches and Buicks, with the action unfolding in a garage where not everything is on the up and up.

Mamie Van Doren in the Mix

Mamie Van Doren brings charisma and attitude to the seedy garage scene, adding an extra spark to the film’s cast.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

rookie cop goes undercover to investigate a crooked garage

Threat

criminal activity at the garage

Effect

puts the cop and others at risk

Setting

crooked garage and nightlife venues

Questions from the Vault

When was Running Wild released? +

Running Wild was released in 1955.

Who directed Running Wild? +

Running Wild was directed by Abner Biberman.

How long is Running Wild? +

Running Wild has a runtime of 81 minutes.

What genre is Running Wild? +

Running Wild is a crime, drama, and film-noir.

Where can I watch Running Wild? +

You can watch Running Wild on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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